Car vs. Car: Infiniti G35 vs. BMW 3 Series

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to see two luxury cars pulled off the showroom floor and put head-to-head in a drag race? Though it would be next to impossible to get a dealership to go along with this experiment, the next best thing would be to pit these cars against each other in a "virtual" drag race and see which one would win.

For this first race, I've matched up the BMW 328i with the Infiniti G35 because of the already fierce rivalry between them. After all, BMW's 3 Series have been among the best selling cars in the luxury market for years, but recently, the 3 Series has been challenged by the Infiniti G35 as an entry-level luxury automobile. Given this intensifying competition, I've put the 2006 Infiniti G35 in lane one on our virtual track and the 2006 BMW 3 Series beside it in lane two. So get ready to smoke the tires and hold on to your leather seats.

2006 Infiniti G35

Performance - 17/20

The 3.5-liter V6 engine delivers 280 horsepower and can launch the G35 from 0 to 60 in six seconds. Not all the credit goes to the engine; the engineers at Infiniti designed this car with overall performance in mind. The 2006 G35’s engine has been moved closer to the middle of the car and aluminum parts were used throughout, which allows the G35 to be larger and taller without excess weight. The G35 is one of the best-handling cars in the luxury market. This Infiniti comes with a standard rear-wheel-drive transmission, but if you want to bump up the handling, you can opt for the all-wheel drive. With this combination of power and handling, it’s clear the G35 is meant to be driven like a sports car and enjoyed like a luxury automobile.

Exterior Design - 15/20

The exterior of the G35 is designed to combine both style and function. The longer wheel base and wider body allows for greater handling while giving the appearance of a high-end European luxury car. Each G35 comes standard with large 17-inch wheels that add to the sense of luxury, but also serve the function of providing a smooth comfortable ride. Overall, the G35 is a beautiful car to look at and will definitely turn some heads.

Interior Design - 7/10

The spacious cabin comfortably seats five people, allowing passengers to enjoy the smooth ride and powerful acceleration. The backseat has plenty of space and gives plenty of leg room for taller adults. Also, the driver’s seat has a special foam pad to support the driver through twisties. Infiniti used high-quality material to construct the interior, but the overall design still needs to be improved.

Sound System/Goodies - 8/10

One of the perks of buying a luxury car is the special features that are not usually included in lower-end models. The G35 comes with its fair share of toys, including a gauge cluster that tilts in tandem with the steering wheel. Also, dual-zone climate control allows everyone to be comfortable no matter what time of year it is. For the tech-gadget lovers, the G35 offers a concealable LCD screen for the navigation system in the center console. And what luxury car would be complete without an automated sunroof and 225-watt Bose sound system? Certainly not the Infiniti, which is equipped with both features.

Driving Experience - 17/20

The G35 combines a powerful engine, a roomy interior and great handling to give the driver an exhilarating ride. The 260 lb-ft of torque launches the G35 forward and throws the driver back into their special foam seat. After your heart rate slows down, you can start to enjoy all the luxury features that make this ride so great. The G35 will allow you to relax and enjoy your daily ride to work or cut loose and let the horses run — the choice is yours.

Bang For Buck - 18/20

Some options available on the G35 can be rather pricey, such as the navigation system or chrome wheels, but the list of standard features is impressive especially when you consider the MSRP is just above $30,000. With standard features like Bluetooth hands-free phone, dual climate control, and a seven-speaker audio system, it’s clear why the G35 is still one of the best priced luxury cars on the market.

Overall Score – 82/100

Though the Infiniti gets high marks for performance and overall driving experience, it still doesn’t match the market leaders in interior design and quality.